What if... the C7 gets delayed?

[DarkShark]

What if the same market pressures that played out in the '70s happened again to the Vette and the C7 was delayed until after gas prices went down and GM felt comfortable with releasing a new version??

It wouldn't be out of the norm, would it? Let's face it- the C3 was long in the tooth. It should have ended somewhere around 76-80 and instead the C4 was launched in 83 (very late 83!) as an 84. Really, it wasn't until Reagan was elected that economic conditions were safe for the release of a new Vette.

We're looking at another period of high gas prices, possible action by the government that will result in price stabilization as opposed to price reductions, no end in sight to high foreign oil prices, and no tapping of new domestic oil sources. Yep... its the '70s all over again after a 35 year hiatus.

Maybe the C7 will be delayed. GM announced massive layoffs and cuts to both hourly and salaried employees. They are tightening their belts just as the rest of America is too.

Much like the '70s... any permutation of the Vette is better than NO VETTE. I'm looking forward to the C7 but we'll all stay tuned as GM treads water. I just hope GM can push as many Cobalts as possible to stay afloat. Truck based SUVs aren't ikely to return anytime soon. They've gone the way of the dodo.

[MarkP]

From what I've heard, the C7 isn't even on the books right now. To the best of my knowledge, plans to proceed with C7 development were canceled around the same time as plans for the next gen RWD Impala and one other mid-lux model were shelved.

In my opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the C6 generation run longer than the General had originally anticipated.

[warren s]

Considering all the problems that GM had even before the economy went into the toilet, I bet bringing out the C7 must be lower on the list now.

I hope they take their time – whenever it comes out, the quality of the C6 wasn’t the greatest and I hope there or no more issues like delaminating roofs on the Z-06.

[killain]

From what I've heard, the C7 isn't even on the books right now. To the best of my knowledge, plans to proceed with C7 development were canceled around the same time as plans for the next gen RWD Impala and one other mid-lux model were shelved.

In my opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the C6 generation run longer than the General had originally anticipated.

To me, I am comfortable with seeing the C-6 platform continue for another five years as long as the entire brand isn't cut. I'd rather have any Corvette as opposed to no Corvette ! I'm looking forward to a 60th. Edition coming out.

[catbert]

Personally, I'm looking forward to the long C6 run. It will certainly be the last of the earthshaking 427s and high strung 6 litre OHVs. The next generation will be a great car, and probably will use very sophisticated horsepower strategies and configurations. But it won't be the big old hot rod V/8s most of us love so much. The Vette is almost alone in pursuing world class performance with American muscle and cubic inches versus overhead cams cubic money.

Savor your 427s boys and girls. Our kids and grandkids will probably only see them at Barrett-Jackson. :Steer

[vett boy]

To me, I am comfortable with seeing the C-6 platform continue for another five years as long as the entire brand isn't cut. I'd rather have any Corvette as opposed to no Corvette ! .

I agree.:w

[minifridge1138]

I agree!

[Corvette Blogger]

CorvetteBlog.com (http://www.corvetteblog.com)is of the opinion that the Mid-Engine C7 is still very much in development. Whether it comes out as the 2012 model might be open for debate, but it is certainly on its way.

While we believe that there may never be another 638hp Corvette like the 2009 ZR1, GM's technological prowess will continue to produce awesome Corvettes for those looking for true value in their sports cars.

[catbert]

A rear/mid engine Vette will cost lots of continued engineering development and huge upfront tooling costs - neither of which is in the cards when both are needed to put new meat and tater cars on the road. GM needs to be kept alive with viable mass market offerings before they - or us can worry about the next world class Vette. Folks who drive Vettes, but drive foreign sedans need to have more GM alternatives to Camrys and Accords. GM also needs a world class gas sipper to battle the Prius. The Volt isn't it - it was never designed to be sold in big numbers, at least in the near future. And it will be priced north of $40K.

Save GM - save the Vette!

[killain]

A rear/mid engine Vette will cost lots of continued engineering development and huge upfront tooling costs - neither of which is in the cards when both are needed to put new meat and tater cars on the road. GM needs to be kept alive with viable mass market offerings before they - or us can worry about the next world class Vette. Folks who drive Vettes, but drive foreign sedans need to have more GM alternatives to Camrys and Accords. GM also needs a world class gas sipper to battle the Prius. The Volt isn't it - it was never designed to be sold in big numbers, at least in the near future. And it will be priced north of $40K.

Save GM - save the Vette!

I agree 100% with catbert, The persent corvette is already engineered, tooled and in production. So the only thing necessary is to continue to keep up parts supplies and with each passing year, continue to perfect the car. It stands as Chevrolets Flagship. A bright shinning star to which chevy can always point and say HAY ! But right now, and in the next few years GM needs to bring to market cars THAT SELL ! I think with a great amount of confidence that corvette owners would be more than willing to continue buy the present C-6 platform, which will be slightly cheaper with each passing year and allow GM to get it's act together on other energy propelled vehicles whict it desperately needs to be competative in this market. Anything less is going to spell doom for the companies North American operations. The corvette can stand on it's own for right now, What's more important is saving the automobile company here in America. IMHO